Overstock.com Inc.'s shares plummeted Friday despite the online retailer reporting a narrower loss, as investors worried the company won't stand up to stiff competition in the Internet retail space.
Overstock's second-quarter loss narrowed to $6.46 million, or 28 cents a share, compared with a year-earlier net loss of $13.8 million, or 58 cents a share. Revenue rose 27% from a year earlier to $188.8 million.
Shares were down 39%, or $10.70, to $17 in afternoon trading Friday on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Stifel Nicolaus analyst Scott Devitt cut his investment rating on the stock to "sell," saying that Overstock compares unfavorably to its larger competitors eBay Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.
"We believe a stronger eBay will make Overstock spend more and Amazon's continued dominance will eventually force Overstock into another investment cycle," wrote Mr. Devitt in a research note Friday.
Overstock, based in Salt Lake City, is an online "closeout" retailer offering discount brand-name merchandise to its customers.
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